Hot Rolled Commercial Quality (CQ) steel is ordinarily produced from killed or semi-killed steel and does not have a high degree of uniformity in chemical composition and mechanical properties. CQ steel is furnished when specific mechanical test values are not required and where surface imperfections are not objectionable.

ASTM 569 still is produced with a 0.15% carbon and can be bent over on itself when formed.

Alro Steel specifies that its CQ ASTM A569 have a carbon range of 0.08 to 0.10 percent to assure formability. CQ steel can be formed, welded, punched, or moderately drawn.

CQ steel is produced in coil form and then processed into pattern sheet sizes of 36, 48, or 72 widths normally cut to 96 or 120 inches long. CQ steel is initially produced in a black coil (also called a band) and can be temper passed (which relieves stresses) or pickled and oiled (which removes scale to give the surface an improved condition.)